Excessive screen time has been linked to developmental delays in language, communication, and problem-solving, while also increasing risks for sleep problems, attention issues, and emotional and behavioral challenges.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends these screen time guidelines:

Under 2 years: No screen time
2-5 years: 1 hour of high-quality programming daily

Despite all we know about the potential dangers, screen time can be hard to avoid. Exhausted, busy parents need a break sometimes. Little ones (really, any of us) struggle to resist the lights, sounds, and dopamine rush of electronic devices. Time cooped up indoors makes screens even more alluring.

But hold on a minute, we've got you! Instead of turning to devices, keep kids tuned in to developmental play with these fun, screen-free activities that use items around the house.

You might also like: 10 Screen-Free Travel Activities To Keep Little Kids Entertained & Learning

1. Obstacle course

Get little ones moving with an indoor obstacle course. Put painter’s tape on the floor to create a “balance beam” to walk along. Create a tunnel kids can crawl through out of chairs and a blanket. Stack couch cushions or pillows to climb over. Consider your child’s age to plot the safest, most age-appropriate course. Use soft, sturdy items to avoid injury or damage.

Developmental benefits: Supports gross motor skills, problem-solving, and imaginative play.

2. Sensory bins 

Let little kids explore different textures hands-on with a sensory bin full of treasures from around the house. Put one type of item, like fabric scraps, or a dry base of uncooked rice or pasta in a container. Consider adding cotton balls, rocks, large buttons, and little toys for extra stimulation. Keep your child’s age in mind. Small items are a choking hazard to little ones who put items in their mouth. Add scoops and tongs to enhance play for older, more dexterous kids 

Image via Two Pink Peonies

Developmental benefits: Boosts sensory play, fine motor skills, and hand dexterity.

3. Water play

Save yourself the clean-up and try this activity during bathtime. Give little one plastic cups and scoops of various sizes, so they can practice transferring water from the tub to the cups, from big cups to little cups, and so on. Another fun addition: a clean sponge kids can soak with water and wring out again and again.  

 

Developmental benefits: Encourages fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and concentration.

4. Racetrack

If you’ve got a car-loving kiddo, use painter’s tape to make “road” or “racetracks” for toy vehicles. To organize trucks and wheeled toys after play, consider using tape to make a “parking lot.”

Image via Toys "R" Us

Developmental benefits: Supports gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and hand dexterity.

5. Sort it out

Make a pile of clean unpaired socks—the more unique and colorful the better—and task little one with finding each sock’s mate. This might be something you have to model and talk through the first time. Sorting activities are really satisfying for kids and a good way to teach them to compare and contrast. You can also try this by inviting little one to line up toys, stack pillows, or sort other items by size. 

Developmental benefits: Boosts observational skills, concentration, hand dexterity, and pattern recognition.

6. Play fort

Use empty cardboard boxes (if you subscribe to Our Diaper, that makes a great one!) and tape to make a kids-only fort. The creative possibilities are endless. Little ones can decorate the outside of the box, drape a towel over one end to make a door, or bring toys inside.

Developmental benefits: Encourages imaginative play and creativity. 

7. Clean-up race

Turn housework into play with an age-appropriate clean-up race. Use a timer to see how quickly little one can put their toys away. Send them on easy “challenges” around the house, like dropping laundry in the hamper. Give older children more delicate tasks, like watering plants, sorting recycling, feeding pets, or taking laundry out of the dryer. Remember to model and talk through how to complete tasks and praise kiddos for their efforts.

Developmental benefits: Boosts fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving, and cooperation.

References

Muppalla, S., Vuppalapati, S., Pulliahgaru, A, & Sreenivasalu, H. (2023). Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development. Cureus. Retrieved February 9, 2026.

Screen time and emotional problems in kids: A vicious circle? American Psychological Association. Retrieved February 8, 2026.

Munzer, T. (2026) Helping Kids Thrive in a Digital World: AAP Policy Explained. American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved February 9, 2026.